Argumentative and Discursive/Persuasive Writing What you have to do.
You are being asked to consider a topic that is (hopefully) of general interest, to discuss your own opinions on the subject and to make clear your reasons for believing as you do. You do not have to "make anything up" as, for example you have to do for a short story or even a description; therefore for the logical, scientific thinker a discursive essay is often a wise choice. All you have to do is: 1. Choose a topic with which you are as familiar as possible and decide what you think about it. (You need not always have strong feelings on a subject; you can weigh up both sides of the argument from a neutral standpoint.) 2. Construct your argument in a reasonable and logical way, using vocabulary suitable for your purpose. ("It is because it is because I say so." is not enough!) Some basic rules. Even if you have some knowledge of a given topic and definite opinions on it, you still have to be able to convince your reader that your ideas are both reasonable and sensible. In order to do this, you should consider your argument with the following points in mind. You must: 1. Choose your words and expressions so that you sound convincing without being too hysterical and one-sided. 2. Make sure that what you are saying is logical and acceptable. 3. Back up your opinion with as many reasons and examples as you can. 4. Build your case so that it is easily followed and not too jumbled and disjointed. Summary
We can now sum up the dangers to be avoided: 1. Lack of knowledge of and interest in the subject. 2. Disorganisation. 3. Direct abuse. 4. Illogical leaps. 5. Sweeping generalisations.
What you have to do.
You are being asked to consider a topic that is (hopefully) of general interest, to discuss your own opinions on the subject and to make clear your reasons for believing as you do. You do not have to "make anything up" as, for example you have to do for a short story or even a description; therefore for the logical, scientific thinker a discursive essay is often a wise choice.
All you have to do is:
1. Choose a topic with which you are as familiar as possible and decide what you think about it. (You need not always have strong feelings on a subject; you can weigh up both sides of the argument from a neutral standpoint.)
2. Construct your argument in a reasonable and logical way, using vocabulary suitable for your purpose. ("It is because it is because I say so." is not enough!)
Some basic rules.
Even if you have some knowledge of a given topic and definite opinions on it, you still have to be able to convince your reader that your ideas are both reasonable and sensible. In order to do this, you should consider your argument with the following points in mind. You must:
1. Choose your words and expressions so that you sound convincing without being too hysterical and one-sided.
2. Make sure that what you are saying is logical and acceptable.
3. Back up your opinion with as many reasons and examples as you can.
4. Build your case so that it is easily followed and not too jumbled and disjointed.
Summary
We can now sum up the dangers to be avoided:
1. Lack of knowledge of and interest in the subject.
2. Disorganisation.
3. Direct abuse.
4. Illogical leaps.
5. Sweeping generalisations.